GENEVA, N.Y.-Hobart and William Smith Colleges Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Deb Steward, in conjunction with the Liberty League, announced the cancellation of Liberty League athletic competition and championships for the fall term through Dec. 31, 2020.
 
"We have worked tirelessly with our Liberty League colleagues to determine the best path forward for our student-athletes given the challenges of this pandemic," Steward said. "This difficult decision was focused on our guiding principle – ensuring the health and safety of our student-athletes, staff and communities. We will engage with our student-athletes in this new environment with greater passion and appreciation for the time we get to spend together playing the sports we love."
 
In consideration of the updated NCAA guidance on the return to practice and competition, the growing concern due to the upward trajectory of COVID-19 infection rates across the country and the guiding principle ensuring the health and well-being of our student-athletes and the entire community, HWS has decided to cancel all fall 2020 competition. This decision impacts all HWS intercollegiate athletic teams.
 
"With institutions and conferences, both regionally and nationally, making the difficult decision to cancel fall competition, our announcement to cancel Liberty League competition and championships will likely not come as a surprise," Liberty League commissioner Tracy King said. "Nevertheless, I understand the deep disappointment that many of our student-athletes, who have trained and prepared for competition, will feel with this decision. Moving forward, our members will continue to work together to provide meaningful athletic opportunities to support our student-athletes."
 
Despite these changes, the Colleges are committed to providing student-athletes with a fall intercollegiate athletics experience that includes team practice, strength and conditioning workouts, leadership seminars and player-coach meetings. These practice opportunities will begin following the start of the academic year. HWS will continue to engage with the Liberty League and NCAA to determine if spring 2021 competition is a viable option for fall sports teams.
 
The Colleges are members of multiple conferences for winter sports. Announcements will be made as decisions surrounding winter sports schedules become available.